Shimano is supporting a new wave of UK trail and bike park developments through its Trail Born Fund, with Madison overseeing delivery of the initiative in the UK.
The global fund has been created to support trail creation, restoration and community-led riding projects, with a focus on sustainable access, inclusivity and long-term trail stewardship.
In the UK, Madison is working with project partners to direct funding where it can have the greatest impact. The latest round of support will contribute to three projects across England and Scotland: Aston Hill in Buckinghamshire, Richmond Bike Park in Yorkshire and Rabbit Hill Bike Park in Aberfoyle.
Aston Hill set for return
Aston Hill, once one of southern England’s best-known mountain bike venues, has been closed since 2020 following the impact of ash dieback disease. Work to bring the venue back into use began in 2025 with support from the Shimano Trail Born Fund and is continuing this year.
Now operated by Bike Park Chilterns CiC, Aston Hill is expected to reopen to the public with two trails, with plans to expand to seven trails offering a mix of riding styles and progression opportunities.
John Holbrook, director at Bike Park Chilterns CiC, said: “This partnership is huge for the rebuild of Aston Hill. Having Shimano’s industry-leading backing reinforces how important this park is to riders both regionally and nationally. Their support gives us the confidence to push forward and set a new standard for what Aston Hill can become.”
Richmond Bike Park targets community access
Richmond Bike Park is being developed as a community-led trail and skills facility aimed at making mountain biking more accessible and progression-focused for riders of different ages and abilities.
Construction began this spring and completion is expected by autumn. The project is also intended to support physical activity, mental wellbeing and community connection, while acting as a stepping stone to wider trail networks in the North Yorkshire Dales, North York Moors and County Durham.
Louise Raine from Richmond Bike Park said: “The Shimano Trail Born funding is a genuine catalyst for us. It enables us to build more sustainable, higher-quality trails and expand what we offer to the community. Just as importantly, Shimano’s support brings real confidence and credibility to the project, helping us grow in the right way and reach more people.”
Rabbit Hill Bike Park to add new riding hub in Aberfoyle
In Aberfoyle, within Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, Rabbit Hill Bike Park will add a dedicated bike park and pump track to an area already known for gravel, road and mountain biking.
Kerry MacPhee said: “Aberfoyle is a wee village, but on the cycling front it has become a real destination. Our new bike park will add another layer of accessibility to what our natural environment offers, particularly for local kids and those travelling in to ride. We are thankful to Shimano Trail Born for supporting the project and helping make Aberfoyle a vibrant, multi-disciplinary cycling destination for all.”
Shimano said the Trail Born Fund is intended to help protect access, strengthen riding communities and inspire more people to get on bikes by backing grassroots organisations with long-term ambitions.
More information about the initiative is available at: https://bike.shimano.com/trailborn.html
